This extraordinarily detailed  marionette is from Thailand. It could very well be an effigy of King Taksin also known as "Taksin the Great" evidenced by the elaborate imperial court costume and Hindu Bindi on his forehead. (The beloved King Taksin ruled Thailand from 1734-1782. He was a Buddhist and as nobility he practiced Hindu rites.)

 The peg jointed body is hand carved mahogany and made circa 1780 (and perhaps as early as 1760), during the very height of literature and theatre in the Golden city of Ayutthaya, now called Bangkok. The face and finger nails are hand painted. The clothing is made of silk and all hand sewn. The red sash is trimmed by threading tiny silver metal ringlets together to make an ornate cord. Over the centuries the red color has faded around the waist. The vest is green silk. The pants are blue silk trimmed in gold thread, as are the rose colored sleeves.  The mouth opens and closes freely, and all the joints are in excellent working condition. There was probably a sword once that occupied the left hand grip, alas it has long since disappeared. There is minor tangling of the 9 strings - I didn't want to disturb the knots - better to leave that up to you. It was purchased in 1990 from a gallery in San Francisco. Sadly however, there is no longer any of the accompanying paperwork. It has been well cared for and comes from a smoke and pet free environment. 

37" tall including the strings

26" tall body only

9 strings

14 moving joints